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Wes Hoolahan says "a few words at half-time" helped Ireland get a "deserved" win in Moldova

Wes Hoolahan made his first competitive start for Ireland on Sunday night, since the 3-0 loss to ...



Wes Hoolahan says "a few w...
Soccer

Wes Hoolahan says "a few words at half-time" helped Ireland get a "deserved" win in Moldova

Wes Hoolahan made his first competitive start for Ireland on Sunday night, since the 3-0 loss to Belgium at Euro 2016.

The Norwich playmaker set up Shane Long's goal in the second minute as he had a strong influence over the game in Chisinau. He also had a strong role in the buildup to James McClean's second goal.

Speaking to Off the Ball's Dave McIntyre, the 34-year-old was delighted the team left Moldova with a win.

"It was important we got the three points. It was a difficult place to come. We got a great start in the game. Unfortunately they scored before half time, but we came back out again for the second half, James McLean got the two goals, and we came away with the three points we deserved."

"We could have have been 2 or 3-0 up before half-time. We gave away the sloppy goal just before the break and we had a few words at half-time."

After being left as an unused sub in the Serbia and Georgia games, Hoolahan was happy to get the start, and to play for so long in the match.

"I still feel fit. I can run around. If I'm asked to play 90 minutes, I'll play 90 minutes".

Despite not starting in any of Ireland's previous five matches, Hoolahan told Dave McIntyre, he is happy to get onto the field whenever given the opportunity for Ireland.

"You want to play as many games as you can but when the gaffer calls upon you, you go out there and play. It's great to play for my country. Whenever I get that opportunity I go out there and try my best."

"When I do get called upon, I'll do my best and try and get a win for the boys."

The former Shelbourne star returns to club action now for Norwich. The Championship club play Rotherham on Saturday afternoon.

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